Application Deadlines

The application deadline for Fall 2015 is June 1, 2015. This is a competitive program that will admit 15-25 students once per year for fall semester only. Applicants should allow approximately 45 business days for admission decisions following the application deadline.

Application File

A complete application file consists of two parts (three for international students.) Begin the application process by applying online first using the new online graduate application. Once you've applied online you can login to the Applicant Portal using your StarID and password at any time and upload your remaining documents, submit your references, and check on the status of your application. If you encounter difficulty with the online application please email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu

Official transcripts for all previous college-level work in undergraduate and graduate programs showing a baccalaureate degree or equivalent with grade-point average or narrative description of courses completed from all schools attended after high school and transcripts from any graduate or professional programs.

All transcripts from non-U.S. schools must be evaluated (course-by-course) by either ECE (preferred) or WES.

Paper transcripts should be send directly from the sending institution (preferred.)

Part Two

Professional References: Complete the online application to submit online references.

Provide three references from professional sources, at least one of which is a current or former college instructor, and at least one of which is a current or former work supervisor.

At least one of these individuals must be willing and able to attest that the applicant has at least four years of freedom from mental health, physical health and substance use problems which would impair the applicant's objectivity or effectiveness in performing the duties of a professional counselor.

Explanation of a theory/model of addiction: Briefly explain your preferred theory of addiction. Include causal elements, research evidence and example of application of this theory/model.

Explanation of a counseling approach: Briefly explain your preferred counseling approach. Include an overview of the approach, research evidence and a dialogue of how you would use this with a client.

Evidence of continuing study in alcohol and drug counseling: What have you done/are you doing to continue to increase you knowledge and skills in alcohol and drug counseling? (e.g., courses taken, training or conferences attended, professional books and journals read, etc.; this information may be submitted in a table)

Brief narrative regarding commitment to self-care, as well as freedom from mental, physical and chemical health problems that could impair your objectivity and effectiveness as a counselor (consistent with the state of Minnesota's expectation for those holding professional licensure as alcohol and drug counselors).

Provide evidence of unencumbered license, if applicable. For example, if you are currently licensed in alcohol and drug counseling, professional counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy or psychology, provide evidence of unencumbered license.

PDF or an image file of your license or state board login page showing unencumbered license.

Counseling Skills: Provide an audio-recorded example of a counseling session which demonstrates your counseling skills, according to the procedure described below. PLEASE NOTE: Due to ethical considerations, your "volunteer client" must be at least 18 years of age and CANNOT be one of your current clients.

Content of the Recording: Ask your volunteer client to discuss: something about yourself that you want to change, need to change, should change, or have been thinking about changing, but have not changed yet. This is the target behavior which your volunteer wishes to discuss.